Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is the inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Millions of men are affected worldwide. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common sexual impairments in men. Those affected suffer greatly from the symptoms, as these have a great influence on their sex life. Especially in a long-term relationship, balances sexuality is an important part of everyday life. For this reason, this condition usually affects two people, not just one individual. Both partners are affected if there is no longer functioning sexuality. Only one thing helps: Talking about it – first with your partner and then with a doctor who knows about this condition.

Up to approx. 85 % of erectile dysfunction cases arise from an underlying condition such as diabetes, vascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, multiple sclerosis, spinal diseases or following radical pelvic surgery (e.g. prostatectomy or surgery in the rectal area). Many of these physical impairments remain undetected for a long time, because they cause neither pain nor other noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Erectile dysfunction can often be the first outward sign of such an underlying condition. In addition, a man’s potency is also subject to factors such as age, use of medication and individual lifestyle. Only somewhat more than 10% of all erectile dysfunction cases have a psychological cause.